Transforming Lives Through Excellence: Highlights from the 7th Pan-African Association for Cleft Lip and Palate Conference
In the vibrant city of Harare, Zimbabwe, healthcare leaders and professionals gathered for the 7th Pan-African Association for Cleft Lip and Palate Conference, a pivotal event focused on “Reorganizing and Repositioning Cleft Care for Excellence in Africa.” Among the notable attendees were Dr. Shukri Mohamed, Head of the Surgical Department, and Mubarak Mohamed, Head of the Anesthesia Department, both recognized for their commitment to advancing cleft care in their respective fields.
The conference served as a platform to foster collaboration, share cutting-edge research, and discuss strategies for addressing cleft care challenges across Africa. With representatives from various African nations, the event highlighted the shared vision of improving cleft care access and quality, ensuring that every child born with cleft lip or palate receives comprehensive, life-changing treatment.
Smile Train: 25 Years of Transforming Lives
Adding to the significance of the event, the President and Global CEO of Smile Train celebrated the organization’s 25th anniversary, marking a quarter-century of transforming lives through global cleft care. Over the years, Smile Train has remained steadfast in its mission to provide free, safe cleft surgeries and comprehensive care worldwide.
As part of the celebration, the Smile Train team reaffirmed their commitment to changing lives with their inspiring motto: “Changing the world one smile at a time.” Through their unwavering dedication, Smile Train continues to empower local healthcare professionals, enabling them to deliver sustainable cleft care solutions.
A Vision for the Future
This year’s theme, “Reorganizing and Repositioning for Excellence,” underscores the importance of innovation and collaboration in cleft care. Participants explored new techniques in surgery, anesthesia, and nutrition, as well as the role of community outreach in identifying and supporting children with clefts. The event emphasized a holistic approach, ensuring that care extends beyond surgery to include emotional support, nutrition, and speech therapy.
Dr. Shukri Mohamed and Mubarak Mohamed actively contributed to the discussions, sharing insights from their work and highlighting the importance of multidisciplinary approaches in delivering world-class cleft care. Their presence at the conference reflects their commitment to advancing healthcare standards in their home country and across the continent.
Conclusion
The 7th Pan-African Association for Cleft Lip and Palate Conference was not just a celebration of achievements but a call to action for continued progress. As Africa positions itself as a leader in cleft care excellence, events like these serve as a reminder of the power of collaboration and shared purpose.
Together, with organizations like Smile Train and passionate professionals like Dr. Shukri and Mubarak Mohamed, the future is bright for children born with cleft conditions. Every smile transformed is a testament to the impact of global partnerships and the unwavering dedication to making a difference, one life at a time.
Follow Smile Train’s journey of changing lives and learn more about how you can support cleft care initiatives in your community.
